Title

Authors

Publication Date

April 2010

Advisor(s)

Patricia Rodriguez Mosquera

Major

Psychology

Language

English (United States)

Abstract

Microaggressions, which are commonplace behavioral or verbal actions that communicate disrespect based on ones group membership, have historically been conceptualized only in the context of race. This study examined self-investment (an aspect of identification with an important in-group), public self-regard (an aspect of collective self-esteem), and personal self-esteem as predictors of anger and dejection in response to perceived microaggressions on the basis of religious group affiliation, specifically the American Muslim community. Participants completed a survey prompting them for an experience in which they felt disrespected on the basis of their membership in the Muslim community. Results indicated that anger was felt more intensely than dejection. Self-investment served as the only significant predictor of negative emotional response to microaggressional discrimination.